My Story

Larry was born in Putnam County and has lived in the Cookeville area for the majority of his life.  He graduated from Tennessee Tech with an Accounting Degree.  While at Tech, He worked at Volunteer Behavioral Health Center in various roles (psychiatric technician, assistant activity director, and crisis intervention).  While working for a couple of different organizations using his accounting degree, he earned his CPA License in 1999.  Larry had the opportunity to join Walmart in 2002 and held various positions from Assistant Manager to Store Manager.  He spent the next 16 years in Wal-Mart management.  He received an MBA in Strategic Leadership from Amberton University in 2012 while at

Wal-Mart.

While working the 3rd shift with Walmart, Larry worked as a DSP with Community Options for almost 4 years.  Working with those Individuals was very rewarding.  He enjoyed challenging and encouraging them to do things that they thought were impossible.  He regularly took one individual on bike rides at Cane Creek Park.  He didn’t like to exercise but enjoyed riding the trails at Cane Creek Park.  He was promoted at Walmart and was transferred to another state.  After several more years of the retail grind, Larry decided to move back to Cookeville.  He began working at the Upper Cumberland Development District as the Deputy Director of Finance and continued there from 2018 to 2022.

Larry loved his job at UCDD, but was looking for something more.  He was honored to be named the Executive Director of Pacesetters in 2022.  This position recently gave him the opportunity to spend time with the Individuals Pacesetters support.  Larry said "I can’t begin to explain how welcomed they made me feel.  I knew right then that I made the right choice coming to Pacesetters. Pacesetters like other nonprofit agencies face many opportunities, but we have the Team to persevere and continue “To Empower and Support” our individuals." 

Larry has been married to his wife Angie, for over 25 years and they have two children, Tyler and Ashley.  Tyler works as a Controller for a local company and Ashley is pursuing a Pharmaceutical Degree.  Since he doesn't yet have grandchildren,  he and his wife made the wise decision to get two miniature dachshunds (Wade and Winslow). 

Larry enjoys running and watching football.  His favorite teams are the Los Angles Chargers, Tennessee Vols, and Tennessee Titans.